18-Year-Old Charged With December Murder

AN 18-year-old male was charged in a Magistrate’s Court yesterday over allegations he murdered a man at his home two days after Christmas last year.

Andrew Ferguson, of East Street, stood before Chief Magistrate Joyann Ferguson-Pratt faced with one count of murder stemming from the December 27 incident.

It is alleged that on the day in question, Ferguson murdered Omar Dorsette of Yellow Elder Gardens.

Firearms

According to initial reports, shortly after 3pm on the day in question, Dorsette was in his home at Sixth Street, Coconut Grove when two men armed with firearms entered and shot him before fleeing in a Honda vehicle.

He was pronounced dead on the scene.

No one else in the home was injured, according to reports.

Ferguson was not required to enter a plea to the charge and the matter was adjourned to March 12 for service of a voluntary bill of indictment (VBI).

He was remanded to the Bahamas Department of Correctional Services in the interim.

Prior to being escorted out of the court room however, Ferguson’s attorney Alex Dorsett told the chief magistrate his client was beaten by police while in custody, and consequently suffered injuries to his chest, head and pelvic area, as well as abrasions on both hands and wrists.

Mr Dorsett also said his client was forced to give a statement against his will and requested his client be allowed to seek medical attention.

Protocol

Chief Magistrate Ferguson-Pratt noted Mr Dorsett’s submissions, and in response to his final request, said being seen by a medical professional is part of the protocol of being admitted to prison.

Ferguson was the second person this month to be arraigned in connection with Omar Dorsette’s murder.

On January 2, 24-year-old Charles Whyms was arraigned in connection with the murder.

Meanwhile, a 33-year-old man was arraigned yesterday over allegations he attempted to murder another individual last week.

Demeko Young, of Huyler Street, stood before the chief magistrate faced with one count of attempted murder stemming from the January 22 incident.

It is alleged that on the day in question, Young attempted to cause the death of Verneko Gibson.

He was not required to enter a plea and the matter was adjourned to March 6 for service of a VBI.